FIFA have been quick to insist no decision has been made on what time of year the 2022 World Cup will be played in Qatar after general secretary Jérôme Valcke announced it would not take place in the summer.

Valcke told France Inter Radio yesterday morning that the competition will not be held in June or July as initially proposed, but between November 15 and January 15 when the weather is more favourable.

There was an immediate backlash across Europe, with fears that the tournament could impact on three domestic seasons if it is held in the winter.

Jim Boyce, one of Fifa's vice-presidents, claimed no decision had been made "as far as the executive committee was concerned" and would not be taken until at least the end of this year.

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates, who was a long-standing member of the FA's international committee, recalled Qatar had claimed that their climate would not affect when the cup was to take place.

Officials proposed to build air conditioned stadiums for players and supporters when they saw off competition from Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States to be named as hosts.

Coates said: "We would all prefer it to be held in the summer, but it is still a long way away and there is a lot of water to pass under the bridge.

"Qatar said it could be played in the summer when they put together their bid. If that is not possible, you have to say it was the wrong decision to hand them the competition."